San Diego Drunk Driving Arrests Increase

Despite ever-increasing attention on drunk driving across the country, the arrest rate for San Diego drunk driving over the Thanksgiving weekend went up this year, with officers bringing in 88 drivers, as opposed to last year’s 85. The measured time was from 6 p.m. on Wednesday evening until 6 a.m. Sunday morning, which means over the 4 nights there was an average of 22 arrests each night. Arrests were also up in neighboring Orange County with 69 drunk driving arrests compared to last year’s 39. In addition to those arrested, there were almost certainly many more intoxicated drivers who were not caught.

The trend in San Diego and Orange Counties is not isolated. A quick online search for Thanksgiving drunk driving searches reveals that San Diego drunk driving arrests are up in states across the country, from California to Maine and everywhere in between. The time of the year Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day is notorious for having the highest rate of drunk driving incidents. Work holidays and long weekends give rise to later nights, more parties, and more alcohol, all of which lead to more people getting behind the wheel when they really should not.

The legal blood alcohol content limit in California is .08 percent. The amount of alcohol that it will take to get a particular person to that level varies depending on the weight and metabolism of the drinker, as well as the alcohol content in the beverage and how fast it is consumed. Some people, especially those who do not drink very often, experience impairment at lower levels. The best practice is simply not to drive if you have been drinking.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimated that in 2010, there were 112 million incidents of drunk driving in the United States, many of which were never discovered. The CDC also reports that 1 in every 3 car accident fatalities involves an impaired driver, with well over 10,000 people dying every year in drunk driving accidents. Many others suffer severe, sometimes permanent, injuries.

If you are involved in a car crash, the first thing you should always do is call the police. Even if the damage to your vehicle appears to be minimal and you aren’t in any pain, you could still be injured. If there are any witnesses to the accident, ask them to stay until the police arrive so that their statements can be taken while their memories are fresh. If they can’t stay, at least get their names and phone numbers so that they can be contacted later. Also, be sure to see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Often, an accident causes an adrenaline rush, which can mask symptoms of injuries in the immediate aftermath.

If you have been the victim of a drunk or otherwise impaired driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Our San Diego car accident lawyer knows how difficult it can be to deal with injuries and ongoing pain from an accident. He can help you determine your rights and start putting your life back together.

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